New Orleans' blighted neighborhoods: New York Times editorial

The New York Times published an editorial on Election Day calling attention to New Orleans' blighted neighborhoods as a "huge challenge."

Citing statistics from a recent report of the Greater New Orleans Community Data Center it says the 53,000 abandoned addresses (including apartments and houses) make New Orleans the "most blighted city in the country" by some measures.

Noting problems with the real estate market and selling properties to speculators, the paper advises the best course is to get the properties into the hands of residents who have an interest in improving properties in their neighborhoods.

It also noted the recent federal court decision that found likely prima facie evidence of discrimination in the Road Home Program's awards to black homeowners. It advised that "the state must find a way to help these people now."